Report of the RMC Board of Governors By the Withers' Study Group
Balanced Excellence Leading Canada's Armed Forces In The New Millenium
4500-240 (ADM (HR-Mil))
24 September 1998
Cross-reference p. 19 of 63 of official printed copy of report
The Study Group examined a number of possible models of how the undergraduate program at RMC could be structured to meet the requirements of the Canadian Forces in accordance with the three stated principles. Five models were selected for detailed analysis. Each model addressed the key problems of enhancing military training and improving the value of the RMC experience in different ways.
These were:
- The Delayed University Model: Candidates are recruited and first serve a period of 14-18 months in the Service and MOC of their choice. Basic MOC qualification is achieved here, and successful, motivated candidates enter RMC for a four-year degree program;
- The Improved Status Quo Model: Candidates enter RMC normally after graduation from secondary school level, complete a short indoctrination program and enter the four year degree program. As today, summer training between academic years remains approximately 8-10 weeks in length. Considerable improvement of summer training would be required. Each of the RMC pillars would be enhanced;
- University Degree First Model: Candidates are recruited directly into RMC, normally after graduation from secondary school level to complete a general degree as quickly as possible. Having obtained a degree without broad exposure to the military or the CF as a whole, graduates then proceed to extensive military training, MOC qualification and operational employment;
- The Two-One-Two Model: Candidates enter RMC normally after graduation from secondary school level, complete a short indoctrination program and enter the four year degree program. In the summer between first and second year they would undergo common training. Candidates would choose their MOC based on the requirements of the CF in February of their second year. After successfully completing second year, candidates would enter the service and MOC of their choice and complete basic MOC training. Successful candidates would then return to RMC to complete their degrees;
- The Dual-Track Model: Candidates would enter RMC normally after graduation from secondary school level. Candidates would then alternate between RMC education and training, and Military/MOC training in 8-month periods. The first 8-month period after first year would be common-to-all military training. The second and third year 8 month training periods would be MOC training and employment. RMC degrees would be achieved after 56 months.
Three of these models were eliminated after extensive analysis which is summarised at Annex I (ARCHIVED).
We determined that either the Two-One-Two Model or the Dual-Track Model could achieve the aim. Each had particular strengths and a careful comparison suggested that these strengths could be effectively combined in an enhanced Two-One-Two Model. Analysed against the background of the three key principles only a modified version of the Two-One-Two Model was able to fully provide for excellence and completion of qualifications in both education and training ( The Balanced Excellence Model). This nomenclature was chosen because it succinctly captured the desired theme of achieving excellence through balancing both the military and academic requirements for the development of a modern professional officer; as well as RMC's on-campus program with CF operational requirements.
The Model has been subjected to a thorough analysis with regard to how it would improve each of the four pillars, together with the seven aspects of leadership, academic program, military ethos, academic/military interface, CF/RMC interface, language/culture and recruiting/retention.